The US state of Utah wants to severely restrict the access of minors to social networks. The governor of the state, Spencer Cox, signed a corresponding law on Thursday. Among other things, it stipulates that social media companies must verify the age of a Utah resident before they can open an account. This applies to anyone under the age of 18.
In addition, the law requires the consent of a parent or guardian if young people want to open an account. "This is the first bill of its kind in the United States. Utah is leading the way in this endeavor," Cox said. The "New York Times" writes that the new measure also obliges social networks, because parents give access to their children's posts, messages and replies.
The law is due to enter into force next year. It also provides for a blackout period for the use of social media between 22.30 p.m. and 6.30 a.m. under certain conditions. Certain advertising is also to be restricted.
The New York Times quotes Republican and Senator Michael K. McKell of Utah as saying that the regulation is intended to combat the "mental health crisis" among American youth and protect younger users from bullying and sexual exploitation. He had introduced the bill.
Tiktok in the focus of Americans
It is very likely that affected companies will take legal action against the scheme. Governor Cox has justified the law, among other things, with the fact that the use of social platforms could lead to mental health problems among young people.
Meanwhile, on Thursday in the US, the focus was particularly on the short video app Tiktok. TikTok chief Shou Zi Chew testified at a congressional hearing, trying to allay concerns about Chinese espionage and influence. Tiktok is under increasing political pressure because the platform belongs to the Chinese-based Bytedance group. With more than one billion users around the world, the service is the only successful online platform in the West that does not originate from the USA.